Reading (B1)

Read the texts below. Match choices (A–Д) to (1-5)

How to avoid conflicts

Arguing with a partner, family member, or co-worker can be a lot of things: informative, helpful, destructive, or hurtful. Most people would agree that conflict is exhausting. If you’re looking to avoid conflict, there are immediate things you can do to stop a fight from happening and ways to prevent fights down the road.

1. If your partner has instigated the fight, or has responded irrationally to your concerns, verbalize this. For example, say, “I realize this issue is really important to you”, or “I know you don’t think my idea is any good, but I do”.

2 . Make this conversation as emotionally stable as possible, no yelling or blaming. Instead, make your points brief and specific. It will be easier for the other person to respond to specific instances, than broad generalizations or accusations. While this may be hard, limit the conflict to one or two main issues.

3 . You should be actively listening to what the other person says, Listen to what she or he’s really trying to tell you, whether or not it’s what you want to hear . Don’t rush the other person to talk . Letting her bring up concerns at her own pace will make her feel respected and listened to .

4 . If you don`t agree with what she`s is saying, validate her concerns, rather than arguing with her . It may be helpful to take a few moments to gather your thoughts before responding . This will keep you from accidentally saying something hurtful .

5 . This is just as important as avoiding yelling, cursing, or name calling. Avoid crossing your arms, pointing fingers, hiding your hands, or not making eye contact . These can signal an unwillingness to talk .

Read the text below. Match choices (A–Е) to (1–6)

1 . Port Aventura is a theme park and a resort in the south of Barcelona, in Salou, Tarragona, Spain; on the Costa Dorada . It attracts around 4 million visitors per year making it the most visited theme park in Spain. Port Aventura Park is also the 6th most visited theme park in Europe . The resort also includes Costa Caribe Aquatic Park and four hotels.

2 . Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany and the second most popular theme park resort in Europe, following Disneyland Paris . Europa-Park is located in Rust, in south-western Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. The park is home to twelve roller coasters, the oldest being the Alpenexpress Mine Train, where a powered coaster speeds through a diamond mine, – and the newest coaster being Arthur a suspended indoor/outdoor powered rollercoaster and dark ride combination .

3 . Tivoli Gardens (or simply Tivoli) is a famous amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park opened on 15 August 1843 and is the second oldest amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg . With 4 .033 million visitors, Tivoli is the second most popular seasonal theme park in the world, the most visited theme park in Scandinavia and the fourth most visited in Europe, only behind Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park Rust and the Efteling.

4 . Efteling is a unique theme park with a fairytale atmosphere and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions, making it ideal for the whole family . Set amongst natural surroundings, Efteling captures the magic of all seasons and welcomes you 365 days a year!

5 . Gröna Lund is an amusement park in Stockholm, Sweden. It is located on the seaward side of the Djurgården island and is relatively small compared to other amusement parks, mainly due to its central location, which limits expansion . The 15-acre amusement park has over 30 attractions, and is a popular venue for concerts during the summer .

6 . Walibi Belgium is a unique leisure park for sensations for the whole family in Belgium. 40 attractions including 16 for the kids, street animations, 1 aquatic park and a lot more! Walibi Belgium is the ideal theme park to visit with family and friends . The park has attractions for all ages. The famous Radja River, the crazy Calamity Mine and all other family attractions ...

Which of the theme parks?

Read the text below. Choose from (А–Е) the one which best fits each space (1–6).

The History of the Polygraph Machine

In 1902 an inadequate lie detector test was invented by a man named James McKenzie. Later on in 1921, a medical student named John Larson from the University of California invented the modern polygraph instrument, (1) ______. Although it recorded several different physiological responses, it was not as advanced as the modern polygraph instrument; it measured the subjects pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate and recorded the information on (2) ______. In 1925 Leonarde Keeler refined the instrument invented by John Larson; instead of using smoke paper to record changes in the suspects’ reactions, he incorporated ink pens (3) ______. In 1938 the machine was further improved by Keeler. He added another measuring component, galvanic skin resistance. The polygraph machine continued to advance throughout the years; a man named John Reid (4) ______ as a means of comparison. After many years of (5) ______, the machine was finally computerized in 1992, this allowed the machine (6) ______.